Ball Bearing Router Bits

The ball-bearing guide matches the cutting diameter, and the long shank allows multiple-pass routing for deep cavities.

The 1/2" diameter bit is recommended for most of your routing chores, and comes with 1 bearing. Use the 3/8" cutter only for routing corners that need the tighter radius, it comes with 2 bearings.

Sold individually or SAVE when you buy the set of both router bits.

Shank diameter: 1/4" (6.35mm)Cutting height: 1/2" (12.7mm)

A heat-resistant sleeve (not shown) holds the bearing in position. We recommend stacking an extra bearing on the shank for deep cavities, and use the 3/8" bit only for routing corners.

Tip: We recommend that you change the position of stacked bearings on the router bit's shank every time your re-chuck in the bit into your router. This will greatly extend the life of the bearings and reduces the risk of a bearing "blow-out."

Trade Secrets!

If you sometimes think of making a custom electric guitar, Erick Coleman has tips to make one part of the process a lot easier. Here's how to rout the neck pocket and control cavities so they look as good as a factory build.

Ball Bearing Router Bits

Generally cut well but I wasn't too happy with the plastic sleeve idea. I then purchased enough bearings to completely cover the shank on both the 1/2" and 3/8" bits. I think this is the only way to use them when using a template. For adjusting the bearing position I found the easiest way was to remove the static bearing from an alternative make of bit that holds the bearing in place using an allen screw in an undersized bearing and sharing it between all my 1/4" shaft bits. In the UK I haven't found a 1/2" deep cutter, they are all around 25 mm so too deep for some of the routing required.So the SM bit is the right size but maybe could do with a 'keeper' bearing not a plastic tube?

SO SO...

I had 2 of these bearings come apart on me, within a few seconds on the very first cavity routing job, despite light side pressure, and oiling the bearing. Only 1 of 3 have survived-despite identical technique. Overall, I am not happy with this product.

Very Useful Size Router Bit

I use this router bit in multiple places - Pickup Cavities, Neck Pockets, and pre routing for hand carved pieces when removing material in a small area is required. I have never had a problem with this bit or its bearings. I do not use the plastic tube as a bought enough bearings to stack the whole shank. This also reduces pressure on the individual bearings which has probably prolonged their life.

I guess when it comes to tools I do take care of my more sensitive pieces. I tend to be a perfectionist and know when to use finesse as opposed to brute force. I will definitely purchase the bit and bearings again.

VERY fragile

I was very wary of the fact that the bearings weren't tight on the shank, and that only a plastic tube(also not that tight) held it in place. After a few minutes of use, the bearing fell apart and part of it slid over the tube, because the tubing obviously isn't as thick as it needs to be. Tried the next bearing, same problem. I ended up destroying 2 templates(also bought on stewmac) using the bit. I do not baby my equipment but I surely don't abuse it, and all of my other bits(even budget ones) are nowhere near this fragile. This will probably be my LAST purchase on stewmac. Don't buy these unless you treat them like a baby.

template router bits

Using your ball bearing cutter bit with plastic pick up template I found that the template was oversize so had to make my own template. Also the first ball bearing seized therefore burnt the template. Replaced the ball bearing with the second ball bearing which blew apart and damaged guitar top. I since purchased a new bearing from a local supplier.

Cuts good, doesn't stay

Used it on my recent project. The ball bearing isn't mounted - you can take it off if you want to, which also means, that you have to make sure, that it doesn't move, when you route. Stewmac's solution is a plastic tube that comes with the router bit. The problem is, that this plastic tube isn't 100% secure, so if you're unlucky, it will move. Could be nice with a more secure solution to this.